Kikinda, Serbia: The Town of Owls, Pumpkins and Endless Plains

What if a waste management company became your travel guide?

Some destinations attract visitors with famous landmarks.

Others surprise them with stories they never expected to find.

Kikinda belongs to the second category.

Located in the northern Serbian province of Vojvodina, near the Romanian border, Kikinda may not appear on every travel itinerary. Yet this charming Banat town offers exactly what many travellers seek today: authentic local culture, peaceful landscapes, fascinating traditions, and experiences far from the crowds.

One of Kikinda's most distinctive features is Generala Drapšina Street, ranked among the world's most beautiful streets by Architecture & Design. Stretching for nearly two kilometres beneath a magnificent canopy of trees, it forms a natural green tunnel that invites visitors to slow down and experience the town at its own pace.

A walk through Kikinda also reveals its rich history. The National Museum of Kikinda tells the story of the region, and houses remains of the famous mammoth Kika, discovered near the town and considered one of Serbia's most important paleontological finds.

Nature lovers will discover one of Europe's most unusual wildlife spectacles. Every winter, hundreds of long-eared owls gather in the trees of Kikinda's town centre, creating one of the world's largest urban owl roosts and attracting birdwatchers from around the globe.

The surrounding plains of Banat offer a different kind of beauty. Vast open landscapes, traditional villages, and endless horizons create a sense of calm rarely found in more crowded tourist destinations.

Culture plays a central role in local life. The famous Dani ludaje (Pumpkin Days) festival transforms Kikinda every autumn into a colourful celebration of giant pumpkins, local traditions, music, gastronomy, and community spirit. It is one of Serbia's most distinctive regional festivals and perfectly reflects the warmth and friendliness of the town.

And no visit would be complete without exploring the flavours of Vojvodina.

Expect hearty soups, traditional meat dishes, homemade pastries, and desserts inspired by generations of Serbian, Hungarian, and Banat culinary traditions.

Insider Tips from Our Local Colleagues

Looking for local flavours?

• Twenty – traditional Serbian cuisine and local specialities.
• RE-BOS – popular Italian cuisine in the heart of Kikinda.

For accommodation:

• Bed & Breakfast Twenty
• Mokrin House, one of the region's most creative and inspiring places to stay.

Hidden Gems

Want to experience Kikinda like a local?

🚲 Rent a bicycle.

In Kikinda, cycling is not simply a means of transport. It is a way of life. People cycle everywhere: to work, school, the market, or simply to meet friends for coffee. Exploring the town by bike is one of the easiest ways to understand its character.

And if you visit in June, don't miss one of the region's most magical natural events.

✨ The Blooming of the Tisa

For only a few days, millions of mayflies emerge from the River Tisa at sunset, creating the illusion that the river itself is blooming. This extraordinary phenomenon, often described as a dance of life above the water, attracts photographers, nature lovers, and anyone searching for something truly unforgettable.

FCC Connection

Kikinda is also home to FCC Kikinda d.o.o., which has been serving local communities since 2008.

Today, the company employs 41 colleagues and provides waste collection, transportation, sorting, and disposal services across the region.

The facility includes sorting systems, baling and compaction technologies, as well as sanitary landfill operations, helping municipalities and businesses manage waste responsibly and support environmental protection across northern Serbia.

While visitors discover owl-filled streets, cycling culture, and the traditions of Vojvodina, our colleagues work behind the scenes every day to help keep the region clean, sustainable, and welcoming for future generations.